title: Usefulness of DNA barcoding in ecotoxicological investigations: resolving taxonomic uncertainties using Eisenia malm 1877 as an example.
abstract: Standard test species may differ in their response to toxicants. Accurate identification of test organisms is therefore of critical importance in correctly interpreting data generated from laboratory assays. This is not always possible when species are morphologically similar or where the taxonomy of the group has recently been revised. A case in hand concerns Eisenia sp. Based on recent genetic evidence two species, Eisenia andrei and Eisenia fetida, which were previously considered a single species, are currently recognized. In these instances, DNA barcoding, demonstrated and discussed herein, provides a method to accurately identify test organisms.
authors.affiliation: Stress Ecology Research Group, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa.
authors.forename: P Voua
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Otomo
authors.forename: B Jansen
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: van Vuuren
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Reinecke
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics*; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D018675:Toxicity Tests
chemical_list: D004247:DNA